North Fort Myers groundhog gets national attention
When Punxsutawney Phil gave his prediction on Groundhog Day for six more weeks of winter, North Fort Myers’ own Mona the groundhog differed in her opinion.
“She said no more winter,” claimed Richard Dunmire, head of the local official affiliate of the world famous Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. “Media around the U.S., including some in the newspaper The Punxsutawney Spirit said they liked Mona’s prediction better.”
At the Feb. 2, fifth annual ceremony, Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall was all smiles with the prediction. She, along with Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, Sandra Dunmire, Pamela and Tom Cronin Sr. and others have been there from the first celebration.
Besides those members, the full Inner Circle includes Beverly Grady, a partner in Roetzel & Andress law firm; Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marietta Mudgett and Lee County Deputy Director of the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Tamara Pigott.
They all wear “Florida Tuxedos” – top hats and shorts – as members of the group that hosts the event.
Richard Dunmire officiates as an official Punxsutawnian.
“It’s my job to translate the groundhogese,” he said, about how mere humans talk to groundhogs at both events.
Something completely different this year was that Mona actually had to be on closed circuit T.V. for the event because she is expecting a baby.
Many turned out for the event at dawn, which is the tradition, including Roger and Jerraly Stark.
“We’re from Indiana,” Roger said.
“That’s the other Punxsutawney,” Jerraly added.
The national exposure is great for tourism, many noted.
“We had to see what the weather will be like,” Hall said. “We see freezing temperatures up north, but beautiful blue skies here.”
“I’m just hoping this is sending a positive message about tourism here,” said Inner Circle member and Deputy Director of the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Tamara Pigott. “Especially with the lots of snow up North right now.”
Another part of the reports on our event was the induction of a new Inner Circle member – a real Punxsutawnian like Dunmire. Her name is Beverly Grady, and she is a partner in Roetzel & Andress law firm.
Why is that newsworthy?
“Women don’t get to be on the Inner Circle in Punxy,” said Dunmire.
When the news came out that she had joined our group here, she said she got a flood of e-mails from people in her hometown in Punxsutawney that she hasn’t talked to in years.
“This was a lot of fun. I came to the first celebration and was happy to be part of this event.”
Mark your calendar for next year’s event, which is always on Feb. 2.
In the meantime, look for updates on Mona’s baby in The Neighbor or on-line at www.northfortmyersneighbor.com